Inventory system and methods of using the same

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to an inventory system, wherein the inventory system includes at least one Internet of Things (IOT) inventory device having at least one pressure sensor and a radio field antenna, wherein a weighing surface is located on a top side of the at least (IOT) inventory device, and wherein the radio field antenna is positioned beneath the weighing surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. Application is a Non-Provisional Application of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/352,549, filed on Jun. 15, 2022, which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to inventory systems and methods for theuse thereof, wherein the inventory system includes at least one Internetof Things (IOT) inventory device. A benefit of the inventory systems canbe to allow for multiple inventory devices to be networked such thatmultiple devices can identify and weight inventory items and report datato a communications hub. Additional benefits can be reduced powerconsumption and reduction of weighing inaccuracies.

BACKGROUND

One of the biggest challenges in successfully managing any warehouse,stockroom, shipping area, supply depot, retail center, restaurant, bar,or any other item-based business is the need to control inventory.Inventory control requires constant and accurate monitoring of inventorycondition, inventory location and inventory levels. Taking inventory isan activity required to monitor inventory. This activity is anincredibly time and labor-intensive task that costs millions of dollarsper year. Yet inventory must be taken accurately and often. If too manyitems are kept in inventory, then capital is tied up in inventory andstorage space becomes costly and problematic. If too few items are keptin inventory, then the business may run out of items to sell when acustomer wants them, resulting in missed sales and lost customers. Also,businesses need to monitory inventory to detect breakage, theft, andother causes of lost inventory to address those inventory losses.Business success requires inventory control for financial management andfor customer satisfaction.

There have been advances in technology for monitoring the inventory oflarge, whole items for storage, shipping, and retail businesses.Barcodes are often scanned to monitor inventory as it arrives anddeparts from the business. Retail businesses often use radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tags to monitor and/or prevent theft of items,especially garments and electronics.

However, despite all these advances, there remains a need for aninventory system that can track the inventory of items having an amountof content that varies over time. For example, consider the complexplight of the beverage and hospitality industry. Many bars havesignificant amounts of money invested in inventories of alcoholicbeverages that are stored in many different bottles. In somejurisdictions, there are regulatory requirements to track the inventoryfor taxing purposes. The bottles may be opened or unopened; the contentsmay be sold by the bottle, by the glass, or by the portion for mixeddrinks; and the contents may have vastly different prices per serving.Worse, during peak times, bartenders may not be able to place an openedbottle in the exact position where it was previously stored. Bartendersmay not be able to find the opened bottle and may open another one.Also, consumers often buy different amounts of the contents of a bottleat different rates over different periods of time. Then there is theissue of content loss due to evaporation of alcohols that sit for monthsafter being opened. Manual methods to control this complex process areprone to inaccuracy and is time consuming.

This inventory dilemma has created a huge, costly headache for thebeverage and hospitality industry. Many bars and hotels are forced tospend hours per day taking inventory of every bottle of alcoholicbeverage, often multiple times per day. This task can cost a businesstens of thousands of dollars in wages and be the most unpleasant part ofany bartender's job.

This example is hardly isolated. The inventory of containers oftendepends on taking an inventory of the contents of opened containerscontaining high value or regulatory controlled items. For example, manyhospitals need to track how many pills remain in an opened bottle andwhere the bottle is located. Many sellers of small amounts of solids orliquids need to track inventory of chemicals, such as a solid, a liquid,or a slurry; small parts, such as nuts, bolts, and screws; small highvalue items such as gem stones and jewelry; and consumables, such ascoffee, tea, sugar, and nuts; or any other item where it is inconvenientor impossible to attach an inventory label to the product itself due tosize, method of storage, or other product attribute.

For e-commerce to be efficient, requires warehouses and shipping centersfilled with items in boxes and shipping containers, and the precisenumber and locations of those items must be accounted for at all timesdespite quick turnover rates, multiple operators, and varying levels ofoperator skill. This requires inventory systems with sensors anddetectors that are capable of being networked with a communication huband allow for the accurate and efficient passing of data from thesensors to a database in real time.

There remains a need for an inventory system that provides solutions toat least the above-mentioned challenges. There remains a need to costeffectively maintain real-time records of the number, location, andcontent of containers and opened containers on a massive parallel basis.This complex and important business function can benefit from theaccuracy, speed and efficiency of automation.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an inventory system. In an embodiment,the inventory system includes a plurality of tagged inventory items,wherein the plurality tagged inventory items includes a radio field tagattached to an inventory item; and a plurality of Internet of Things(IOT) inventory devices, wherein the plurality of Internet of Things(IOT) inventory devices includes a weighing surface and contains atleast one pressure sensor, a pressure sensor processor, a radio fieldantenna, a radio field antenna processor, and an Internet of Things(IOT) processor, wherein the weighing surface is located on a top sideof the plurality of IOT inventory devices, and the radio field antennais positioned beneath the weighing surface, and wherein the IOTprocessor is connected to the at least one pressure sensor through thepressure sensor processor and the IOT processor is connected to theradio field antenna through the radio field antenna processor; andwherein at least one member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices isconnected to a communications node.

In some embodiments of the inventory system, the radio field tagincludes an item adhesive layer, a polymer foam layer, and an integratedcircuit layer, and wherein the polymer foam layer is in contact with andlocated between the item adhesive layer and the integrated circuitlayer. In some embodiments, the radio field tag is a passive radiofrequency identification tag, a battery assisted radio frequencyidentification tag, an active radio frequency identification tag, or apassive nearfield tag. In some embodiments, the at least one radio fieldantenna includes an active radio field antenna or a passive radio fieldantenna. In some embodiments, the plurality of inventory devicesincludes a top and a bottom, wherein the at least one pressure sensorincludes an array of force sensing resistors located between theweighing surface and the at least one radio field antenna. In someembodiments, the at least one pressures sensor is connected to supportsthat extend from the bottom of the inventory device.

In some embodiments, the IOT processor includes a memory storage, awireless processor, and a transmitter, wherein the wireless processorincludes a receive packet input and a transmit packet output, and thewireless processor is capable of or configured to transmit wirelesspackets and receive wireless packets.

In some embodiments, the communications node is a wirelesscommunications node. In an embodiment, the communications node is aninternet router, a wireless internet router, a cellular tower, acommunications satellite, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the inventory system further comprises a serverconnected to the communications node through an internet. In someembodiments, the inventory system further comprises a plurality of theIOT inventory devices networked through a plurality of communicationsnodes.

Embodiments of a method of detecting and reporting a plurality of taggedinventory items are disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes:providing a plurality of tagged inventory items, wherein the pluralitytagged inventory items include a radio field tag attached to aninventory item; and providing a plurality of Internet of Things (IOT)inventory devices, wherein the plurality of IOT inventory devicesinclude a weighing surface and contains at least one pressure sensor, apressure sensor processor, a radio field antenna, a radio field antennaprocessor, and an IOT processor, wherein the weighing surface is locatedon a top side of the plurality of IOT inventory devices, and the radiofield antenna is positioned beneath the weighing surface, and whereinthe IOT processor is connected to at least one pressure sensor throughthe pressure sensor processor and the IOT processor is connected to theradio field antenna through the radio field antenna processor; andwherein at least one member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices isconnected to a communications node. The method further includesdetecting a weight change of from about 25.0 g to about 45.0 kg when amember of the plurality of tagged inventory items is placed into contactwith the weighing surface of a member of the plurality of IOT inventorydevices, determining that a difference between a load pressure of themember of the plurality of tagged inventory items and the last measuredload pressure for the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devicesexceeds a threshold value, and identifying the member of the pluralityof tagged inventory items by scanning the radio field tag with the radiofield antenna.

In some embodiments, determining that the difference between the loadpressure of the member of the plurality of tagged inventory items andthe last measured load pressure for the member of the plurality of IOTinventory devices exceeds the threshold value includes, measuring theload pressure of the member of the plurality of tagged inventory items;and retrieving the last measured load pressure from the pressure sensorprocessor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices, andsubtracting the measured load pressure from the last measured loadpressure.

In some embodiments, identifying the member of the plurality of taggedinventory items by scanning the radio field tag with the radio fieldantenna includes, generating a scanned radio field identification fromthe member of the plurality of tagged inventory items by turning on oractivating the radio field antenna of the member of the plurality of IOTinventory devices and scanning the radio field tag, retrieving localradio field identification data from the IOT processor of the member ofthe plurality of IOT inventory devices, and determining that a new radiofield tag is present by comparing the scanned radio field identificationto the local radio field identification data.

In some embodiments, the method further includes, after identifying themember of the plurality of tagged inventory items by scanning the radiofield tag with the radio field antenna, building a data frame in the IOTprocessor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices, andtransmitting the data frame from the IOT processor of the member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices to the communications node.

In some embodiments, building the data frame in the IOT processor of themember of the plurality of IOT inventory devices includes, retrievingtwo or more of: the load pressure of the member of the plurality oftagged inventory items, the scanned radio field identification of themember of the plurality of tagged inventory items, a load transactiondate, a load transaction time, and identification data from the memberof the plurality of IOT inventory devices, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, transmitting the data frame from the IOT processorof the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices to thecommunications node includes, sending the data frame to a first in,first out (FIFO) buffer of the IOT processor of the member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices, transmitting the data frame from theIOT processor to the least one communication node, and reducing powerusage by the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices bydeactivating or turning off the radio field antenna of the member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices.

Embodiments of a computer program product for detecting and reporting aplurality of tagged inventory items are disclosed. In an embodiment, thecomputer program product includes one or more computer readable storagemedia collectively having program instructions embodied therewith, theprogram instructions executable by an Internet of Things (IOT) processorto: cause the IOT processor to detect a weight change of from about 25.0g to about 45.0 kg when a member of a plurality of tagged inventoryitems is placed into contact with a weighing surface of a member of aplurality of Internet of Things (IOT) inventory devices, wherein theplurality of IOT inventory devices includes the weighing surface andcontains at least one pressure sensor, a pressure sensor processor, aradio field antenna, a radio field antenna processor, and the Internetof Things (IOT) processor, wherein member of the plurality of IOTinventory devices is connected to a database through a communicationsnode; determine that a difference between a load pressure of the memberof the plurality of tagged inventory items and a last measured loadpressure for the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devicesexceeds a threshold value; and identify the member of the plurality oftagged inventory items by scanning the radio field tag with the radiofield antenna. In an embodiment of the computer program product, theprogram instructions further cause the IOT processor to: measure theload pressure of the member of the plurality of tagged inventory items,and retrieve the last measured load pressure from the pressure sensorprocessor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices, andsubtract the measured load pressure from the last measured loadpressure.

In some embodiments of the computer program product, the programinstructions further cause the IOT processor to: generate a scannedradio field identification from the member of the plurality of taggedinventory items by turning on or activating the radio field antenna ofthe member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices and scanning theradio field tag, retrieve local radio field identification data from theIOT processor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices,and determine that a new radio field tag is present by comparing thescanned radio field identification to the local radio fieldidentification data. In some embodiments of the computer programproduct, the program instructions further cause the IOT processor to:build a data frame in the IOT processor of the member of the pluralityof IOT inventory devices, and transmit the data frame from the IOTprocessor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices to thecommunications node. In some embodiments of the computer programproduct, the program instructions further cause the IOT processor to:send the data frame to a first in, first out (FIFO) buffer of the IOTprocessor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices,transmit the data frame from the IOT processor to the communicationsnode, and then reduce power usage by the member of the plurality of IOTinventory devices by deactivating or turning off the radio field antennaof the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices. In someembodiments of the computer program product, the program instructionsfurther cause the IOT processor to: command the pressure sensorprocessor to send a data stream of pressure sensor values from thepressure sensor processor to the IOT processor; determine that nodifference between load pressures of the data stream and a last measuredload pressure for the member of the plurality of IOT inventory deviceshas exceeded the threshold value for a threshold duration; and perform aperiodic scan when the threshold duration is met by sending a command tothe radio field antenna to scan for tagged inventory items; build aperiodic data frame in the IOT processor of the member of the pluralityof IOT inventory devices; and transmit the periodic data frame to thedatabase through the communications hub.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction withthe attached drawings. For the purpose of illustration, there are shownin the drawings some embodiments, which may be preferable. It should beunderstood that the embodiments depicted are not limited to the precisedetails shown and are not drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of an embodiment of a system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of an embodiment of an Internet ofThings (IOT) inventory device of the system.

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 illustrate a flow diagram of an embodiment of a methodfor operations within an embodiment of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Conventional inventory systems can take, monitor, and record theinventory of large, whole items based on the assumption that thecontents of the item being inventoried will not change over time.Conventional inventory systems can take the inventory of items only asthey move into and out of a controlled area, such as a retail store orwarehouse. These conventional inventory systems may be adequate whenselling whole items, such as garments, or packaged items, such aselectronics. However, many industries, such as the entertainmentindustry and the hospitality industry do not just sell whole items.Instead, they sell portions of inventory items, such as liquor by theglass or by the portion. These industries spend millions of dollars onlabor taking frequent inventory of bottles of their alcoholic beveragesto determine their current inventory and to plan for maintaining thatinventory.

These labor costs have been necessary because there does not appear tobe any inventory system that is capable of maintaining a real timeinventory of items, tracking varying amounts of content in the inventoryitems, or tracking the current location of multiple inventory itemswithin a retail or storage space an inventory device until an inventorydevice was disclosed that was capable of identifying and weighing taggedinventory items in real-time. See, U.S. Pat. No. 10,769,589, which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

However, as revolutionary as this inventory device was and continues tobe, there is a need for a system that is capable of networking suchinventory devices, or embodiments thereof, into a system that is capableof tracking hundreds of inventory devices in hundreds of differentlocations and transmitting that data to remotely connected databases forprocessing. There are also design improvements to consider. For example,the legacy systems used an array of thin-film weight sensors that werelocated on the top of the inventory device between the RFID antenna andthe weighing surface located on the top of the inventory device. Thereis room for improvement because such a design may be undesirable andimpractical because of increasing cost and technical difficulty inmanufacturing and employing thin film weight sensors.

Another challenge relates to using the inventory devices to identify,weigh, and store the inventory item on the inventory device for short orlong durations. Some of the existing inventory systems can use RFIDtechnology to identify items that are placed on the weighing scale orsurface of the inventory device. One of the challenges with such systemsis that the RFID antennas use a lot of power if they are kept onconstantly and hence may not be power efficient. Additionally,constantly transmitting RFID systems may increase the likelihood forundesirable levels of local electromagnetic interference. Yet anotherchallenge is that the system tends to drift, recording the weight of theitem as heavier and heavier overtime due to various factors. Still afurther challenge is that the inventory device of the system or one ormore components therein, may be damaged, tampered with, lose power, orotherwise be disabled during operation. Discovery and rectification ofsuch malfunctioning may not be easy or efficient and often leads toadditional overhead in terms of effort, time, and cost.

An inventory system is disclosed herein that is capable of networking aplurality of inventory devices that are capable of tracking many items,reducing power usage during operation, and avoiding weight drift duringusage when items are stored on top of the inventory devices. In someembodiments, the disclosed systems propose a design in which theinventory device includes at least one radio field antenna underneath aweighing surface, wherein the weighing surface is located on top of theinventory device. In some embodiments, the inventory device furtherincludes a plurality of pressure sensors that are attached to aplurality of supports underneath or on the bottom of the inventorydevice. In this way, the system implements one or pressure sensors,beneath the at least one radio field antenna, that are configured toweigh the pressure or weight of an item that is placed on top of thedevice on the weighing surface as it exerts pressure downwards againstthe plurality of supports. In some embodiments, the inventory deviceincludes at least one radio field antenna and a radio field antennaprocessor to drive the antenna. The radio field antenna processor isconnected to a processor which may be an Internet of Things ((IOT)processor. The plurality of pressure sensors is attached to theplurality of supports and communicate with the IOT processor through apressure sensor processor. Further, the IOT processor is connected to atransceiver for communication with other devices.

Unless otherwise noted, all measurements are in standard metric units.Unless otherwise noted, all instances of the words “a,” “an,” or “the”can refer to one or more than one of the word that they modify.

Unless otherwise noted, the phrase “at least one” means one or more thanone of an object. Unless otherwise noted, the phrase “at least one of”means one or more than one of the listed objects or any combinationthereof. For example, the phrase “at least one of the database, thenetwork, and the display” would mean the database, multiple data bases,the network, multiple networks, the display, multiple displays, or anycombination thereof.

Unless otherwise noted, the term “about” refers to ±5% of thenon-percentage number that is described. For example, about 100 g, caninclude from to 95 to 115 g. Unless otherwise noted, the term “about”refers to ±5% of a percentage number. For example, about 20% can includefrom 15 to 25%. When the term “about” is discussed in terms of a range,then the term refers to the appropriate amount less than the lower limitand more than the upper limit. For example, from about 100 g to about200 g can include from 95 to 210 g.

Unless otherwise noted, a range of numbers includes all numbers in thatrange. For example, the range of 1-5 g includes 1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, 5 g,and any sub range therein.

Unless otherwise noted, the term “providing” refers to any method ofmanufacturing, purchasing, or any method of obtaining the object beingreferred to.

Unless otherwise noted, the term “real time” means from instantly to 72hours.

Unless otherwise noted, the term “radio field tag” can be usedinterchangeably with “radio frequency tag.”

It is understood that, depending on the context, the term “radio fieldtag” can include an adhesive backing when not attached to an inventoryitem. Conversely, it is understood that, depending on the context, theterm “radio field tag” can exclude an adhesive backing when attached toan inventory item. Further, it is understood that the radio field tagcan include an item adhesive layer, a polymer foam layer, and anintegrated circuit layer, and wherein the polymer foam layer is incontact with and located between the item adhesive layer and theintegrated circuit layer. In addition, it is understood that the radiofield tag can include a passive radio frequency identification tag, abattery assisted radio frequency identification tag, an active radiofrequency identification tag, or a passive nearfield tag.

Embodiments of an inventory system are disclosed herein. In someembodiments, the inventory system includes a plurality of taggedinventory items, wherein the plurality tagged inventory items includes aradio field tag attached to an inventory item; and a plurality ofInternet of Things (JOT) inventory devices. In some embodiments, theplurality of Internet of Things (JOT) inventory devices includes aweighing surface and contains at least one pressure sensor, a pressuresensor processor, a radio field antenna, a radio field antennaprocessor, and an Internet of Things (JOT) processor, wherein theweighing surface is located on a top side of the plurality of IOTinventory devices, and the radio field antenna is positioned beneath theweighing surface. The IOT processor is connected to the at least onepressure sensor through the pressure sensor processor and the IOTprocessor is connected to the radio field antenna through the radiofield antenna processor; and wherein at least one member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices is connected to a communicationsnode.

System

In an embodiment, an inventory system is disclosed. Referring to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the inventory system 100 includes a tagged inventoryitem 102, wherein the tagged inventory item 102 includes a radio fieldtag 106 attached to the inventory item 104. In an embodiment, theinventory system 100 further includes IOT inventory device 112 (hereinafter also referred to as “inventory device”). In an embodiment, the IOTinventory device includes an IOT processor 116. In an embodiment, theinventory device 112 includes at least one radio field antenna 114inside the IOT inventory device beneath a weighing surface 110 on thetop of the inventory device 112. In an embodiment, the IOT inventorydevice 112 includes at least one pressure sensor 118 attached to aplurality of supports 120 at the bottom of the inventory device 112. Theat least one radio field antenna 114 and the at least one pressuresensor 118 are configured to, capable of, or positioned to weigh andidentify the tagged inventory item through the weighing surface on topof the inventory device. In an embodiment, when the tagged inventoryitem 102 is placed into contact with or onto the weighing surface 110,then the weight of the tagged inventory item 102 can press down throughthe material of the weighing surface onto the at least one pressuresensor 118 attached to the plurality of supports 120 underneath. In anembodiment, in response to detecting a weight change, the at least oneradio field antenna 114 is turned on, sending out a radio field signal108. In an embodiment, the radio field signal 108 interacts with theradio field tag 106 to pass an identification code from the radio fieldtag 106 through the weighing surface to the at least one radio fieldantenna 114. In an embodiment, the at least one pressure sensors 118weighs the tagged inventory item 102. In an embodiment, the at least onepressure sensor 118 and at least one radio field antenna 114 areconfigured to, connected to, or capable of communicating with the IOTprocessor 116. In an embodiment, the IOT processor 116 of one or moreIOT inventory devices 112 is configured to, connected to, or capable ofcommunicating with a communications hub 122, such as a wireless router.In an embodiment, the communications hub 122 is connected by theinternet to a remote server 124. In an embodiment, the remote server 124is connected by the internet or other electronic communications to acustomer cloud server 126, a web portal 128, and operating software 130for customer devices, such as computers, cellphones, and tablets.

In some embodiments, the inventory system 100 further comprises aplurality of the IOT inventory devices networked through a plurality ofcommunications nodes. In some embodiments, the inventory system 100further comprises one or more IOT devices 112 configured to manage thesensor systems in a plurality of IOT inventory devices. In someembodiments, the components of the inventory system 100 communicate witheach other using known communication technologies and networks includingbut not limited to a Wi-Fi network and a Bluetooth® network. In someembodiments, the components of the inventory system 100 can be connectedto a cloud computing network to make use of numerous advantages providedby cloud computing and distributed computing networks.

An IOT inventory device is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the IOTinventory device includes a weighing surface and contains at least onepressure sensor, a pressure sensor processor, a radio field antenna, aradio field antenna processor, and an Internet of Things ((IOT)processor, wherein the weighing surface is located on a top side of theplurality of IOT inventory devices, and the radio field antenna ispositioned beneath the weighing surface, and wherein the IOT processoris connected to the at least one pressure sensor through the pressuresensor processor and the IOT processor is connected to the radio fieldantenna through the radio field antenna processor; and wherein at leastone member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices is connected to acommunications node.

Referring to FIG. 2 , in an embodiment, the IOT inventory device 200(also referred to hereinafter as “inventory device 200”) has a top ofthe inventory device (201 a), a bottom of the inventory device (201 b),and at least one side of the inventory device (201 c). In an embodiment,the inventory device 200 includes the top of the inventory device, whichincludes a weighing surface and a radio field antenna 206 underneath theweighing surface. The inventory device 200 further includes an IOTprocessor 202 communicatively coupled to a radio field antenna processor204 that is configured to drive the radio field antenna 206. The IOTprocessor 202 is communicatively coupled to pressure sensors 212 a and212 b through a pressure sensor processor 208. In an embodiment, thepressure sensors 212 a and 212 b are attached to the supports 210 a and210 b, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the pressure sensors 212 aand 212 b are attached on top of the supports 210 a and 210 b. In anembodiment, the pressure sensors 212 a and 212 b are attached on a sidesurface of the supports 210 a and 210 b. In an embodiment, the IOTprocessor 202 is communicatively coupled to a transceiver(transmitter-receiver) 214 configured to communicate with other devicesor nodes such as a communications node in a communication network.

In some embodiments, a plurality of pressure sensors can be positionedand attached to a single support. In some embodiments, the inventorydevice 200 includes a plurality of supports and each support can haveone or more pressure sensors attached to it. In some embodiments, theplurality of pressure sensors can be located or housed inside theplurality of supports, such that the plurality of pressure sensors aresurrounded or encased by the inner walls of the plurality of supports.In some embodiments, the plurality of pressure sensors can be in director indirect contact with the weighing surface. In some embodiments, theinventory device 200 includes a plurality of radio field antennas 206positioned between the weighing surface and the at least one pressuresensor. In some embodiment, the at least one radio field antenna 206 islocated between the plurality of supports and the weighing surface ofthe inventory device 210 when the plurality of pressure sensors arehoused or encased within the plurality of sensors. In some embodiments,the pressure sensors 212 a and 212 b are closer to the bottom of theinventory device 200 than the at least one radio field antenna 206. Insome embodiments, the pressure sensors 212 a and 212 b arecommunicatively coupled to the pressure sensor processor 208 that isconfigured to receive signals from the pressure sensors 212 a and 212 band record the sensed pressure to measure weight of an inventory item.

In some embodiments, the pressure sensors 212 a and 212 b are connectedto an array data wire, and the array data wire is connected to an arrayport. In an embodiment, the array port can be located in a side of theinventory device 200. In some embodiments, the pressure sensors 212 aand 212 b are connected to a power wire, and the power wire is connectedto a power port. In some embodiments, the power port can be located in aside of the inventory device 200. In some embodiments, the at least oneradio field antenna 206 is connected to an antenna data wire, and theantenna data wire is connected to an antenna port. In some embodiments,the antenna port can be located in a side of the inventory device 200.In some embodiments, the at least one radio field antenna 206 isconnected to a power wire, and the power wire is connected to a powerport. In some embodiments, the power port can be located in a side ofthe inventory device 200.

In some embodiments, the inventory device 200 includes a top and abottom, wherein the at least one pressure sensor includes an array offorce sensing resistors (FSRs) located between the at least one radiofield antenna 206 and the supports 210 a and 210 b. In some embodiments,the at least one pressures sensor is connected to the supports 210 a and210 b that extend from the bottom of the inventory device 200.

In some embodiments, the IOT processor 202 includes a memory storage, awireless processor, and a transmitter, wherein the wireless processorincludes a receive packet input and a transmit packet output, and thewireless processor is capable of, or configured to, transmit wirelesspackets and receive wireless packets.

In some embodiments, the communications node is a wirelesscommunications node. In an embodiment, the communications node is aninternet router, a wireless internet router, a cellular tower, acommunications satellite, or a combination thereof.

Method

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 illustrate a flow diagram of an embodiment of a methodas disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method is performed by theIOT processor 202 either alone or in conjunction with the radio fieldantenna processor 204 and the pressure sensor processor 208. For sake ofclarity, the method is explained with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5that show methods 300, 400, and 500, respectively.

One of the challenges faced in existing systems that use RFIDs toidentify items is that RFID antennas use a lot of power when kept in an“on” state constantly. The disclosed embodiments of the inventory systemprovide for a solution that includes, in an embodiment, constantlysending signals from the plurality of pressure sensors 212 a and 212 band pressure sensor processor 208 to the IOT processor 202. In thisembodiment, the IOT processor 202 is configured to decide whether or nota weight change has been detected. If the weight change exceeds athreshold weight change as per the method 300 shown in FIG. 3 , then theIOT processor 202 is configured to trigger the radio field antennaprocessor 204 to turn the radio field antenna 206 to an “on” state andto identify one or more tagged inventory items according to the method400 shown in FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , in an embodiment, the method 300 begins with themain loop 302 and proceeds to 304 receiving pressure data from dataprocessor (e.g., pressure sensor processor 208). Next, the methodproceeds to 306 measuring the load pressure and then to 308 retrievingthe last load pressure from the data processor. Subsequently, the methodproceeds to 310 subtracting measured load pressure from the retrievedlast load pressure. At 312, method proceeds to determining if thedifference between measured pressure and last load pressure is greaterthan a threshold value. In some embodiments, the threshold value may bea predetermined value set either manually by a user or automatically bythe IOT processor 202 based on a set of factors. In some embodiments,the set of factors include a type of tagged inventory items, a type ofcontent of the inventory items (e.g., liquid, solid), acceptable limitsor ranges of error based on historical performance of the inventorydevice, the least count of the pressure sensors, and count of pressuresensors deployed in the inventory device.

If at 312, it is determined that the difference between measuredpressure and last load pressure is not greater than the threshold value,the method proceeds to 314 clearing received pressure data and thenproceeds or returns back to 304. If at 312, it is determined that thedifference between measured pressure and last load pressure is greaterthan the threshold value, the method proceeds to 316 triggering anevent. In an embodiment, the event corresponds to switching the radiofield antenna 206 to an “on” state by the radio field processor 204based on a trigger signal generated by the IOT processor 202 andconsequently, the method 400 shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the method 400 is triggered at 316. Next, themethod proceeds to 404 detection of object landing on the weighingsurface by the radio field antenna 206. In an embodiment, the objectcorresponds to a tagged inventory item. Next, the method proceeds to 406measuring of object load pressure and then to 408 retrieving of lastload pressure from data processor (e.g., pressure sensor processor 208).Next, the method proceeds to 410 determining object weight bysubtracting measured load pressure from the retrieved last loadpressure. Next, the method proceeds to 416 activating the RFID scannerto determine object identity. The method proceeds further to 416activating the RFID scanner and to 418 loading local RFID IDs. Next, themethod proceeds to 420 determining new RFIDs in field or proximity. Themethod then proceeds to 422 determination of whether there are more thanone new RFIDs in the field. If it is determined at 422 that there are nomore than one new RFIDs in the field, the method proceeds to 502building data frame. If is determined at 422 that there are more thanone new RFIDs in the field, the method proceeds to 424 resolvingmultiple RFIDs.

Therefore, the radio field antenna 206 is turned on for just long enoughto identify the one or more tagged inventory items and then turned backoff. In some embodiments, the disclosed solution provides significantsavings in power consumption of the inventory device 200 and the radiofield antenna 206 can be reduced by as much as 50%, even during periodsof high activity. Further, in periods of low or no activity, the radiofield antenna 206 uses no power or very little power. An advantage ofthis solution is that the inventory device 200 reduces wastage ofbandwidth and processing power by intermittently sending all of thecollected weight measurements. For instance, referring to method 400shown in FIG. 4 , the inventory device 200 is configured to turn on theradio field antenna 206 and generate identification data only if asufficient weight change (e.g., exceeding a weight change threshold) hasbeen detected.

In some embodiments, the inventory device 200 can be configured totransmit data once it has collected all of the necessary informationaccording to method 500 shown in FIG. 5 . In some embodiments, theinventory device 200 is configured to send out the information as asingle signal once all of the data necessary for the signal has beencollected and loaded onto a transmit FIFO buffer. The inventory device200 is further configured to determine if the transmission wassuccessful and is configured to send an error flag if the transmissionwas not successful and log a transmission time if the transmission wassuccessful.

Referring to FIG. 5 , method 500 is shown that follows from the step 502of building data frame. Next, the method proceeds to 504 loading oftransaction date and then to 506 loading of transaction time. Next, themethod proceeds to 508 loading of new RFID (determined at 420 forinstance) and then to 510 loading of sensor mat ID (to determine thearriving inventory item location). In an embodiment, the sensor mat IDcorresponds to ID of the weighing surface corresponding to a givenmember of amongst a plurality of inventory devices. Next, the methodproceeds to loading measured object weight 512 and then to 514 clearingreceiver buffer. Next, the method proceeds to 516 buffering transmitdata and then to 518 loading transaction data frame to transmitfirst-in, first-out (FIFO) buffer. Next, the method proceeds to 520transmission of the data frame.

From step 512, the method simultaneously proceeds to 522 transmittingunsent data and then to 524 determination of whether the transmissionwas successful. If it is determined that the transmission was notsuccessful, the method proceeds to 526 setting a transmit error flag. Ifit is determined that the transmission was successful, the methodproceeds to 528 loading transmission time to transmit FIFO buffer. Themethod 500 proceeds to main loop 530. In an embodiment, the main loop530 corresponds to the main loop 302.

The advantage associated with method 500 is that the proposed solutionminimizes power usage and makes the inventory device 200 faster due toreduced or intermittent transmission of data by the IOT processor 202.The advantage is particularly significant in some embodiments wherein aplurality of IOT inventory devices is deployed to track or weigh, forexample, thousands of tagged inventory items, in a single warehousethereby preventing the communication hubs, such as Wi-Fi routers frombeing overwhelmed by the volume of data being transmitted or received.

Yet another challenge in the existing system is that when an item isplaced on a balance or a scale to weigh, the scale is usually calibratedto zero before the weighing event, the item is weighed, the weight isrecorded, and then the item is removed from the top of the scale or thebalance. Such a process that includes removal of the item from the scaleor the balance avoids drift in conventional weight measurements becausethe item is not kept in contact with the weighing surface for, e.g.,more than an hour. However, there are many application scenarios ofinventory devices where the inventory items are stored on top of thescale for prolonged periods (e.g., a few hours to a few years) ofstorage. In such scenarios, the inventory device tends to driftrecording the weight of the object as heavier and heavier overtime whichleads to incorrect measurements. The disclosed embodiments of inventorydevice 200 avoids such errors by transmitting data only when there is aperceived change over a minimal threshold in the measured weight.Further, in some embodiments, the inventory device 200 compares theweight being measured against multiple weight measurements from the samescale previously and the average of those weights to from a “last knownweight.” In some embodiments, if the weight received does not exceed theaverage weights or multiples weights from the same scale, then no eventwould be triggered. Therefore, the inventory device 200 is able to avoiddrift in the weight measurements over time and provides accuratemeasurements.

Still a further challenge in existing systems is that the inventorysystem or its components such as inventory device 200 may be damaged,tampered with, lose power, or otherwise be disabled. The disclosedembodiments propose the concept of a “heartbeat signal.” In someembodiments, the (IOT) processor 202 is configured to transmit a“heartbeat signal” to a computing node in a cloud network. In anembodiment, the duration of the “heartbeat signal” can range from about15 seconds to every three hours. In an embodiment, the duration of the“heartbeat signal” can range from about 15 seconds to one minute. In anembodiment, the duration of the “heartbeat signal” can range from about5 seconds to 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the duration of the“heartbeats signal” can be set by the IOT processor 202 or manually by auser based on one or more predetermined factors. Such factors caninclude, for example, the historical performance of the inventory device200, logs of transmission failure or success, number of inventorydevices deployed in the inventory system, number of one or morecomponents of the inventory device 200 (e.g., radio field antenna 206,pressure sensors 212 a & 212 b), processing time of one or moreprocessors (e.g., IOT processor 202, radio field antenna processor 204,pressure sensor processor 208) in the inventory device 200, executiontime for one cycle of main loop (e.g., 302), execution time for onecycle of methods described herein (e.g., 400, 500). In an embodiment,the duration of the “heartbeat signal” may be set in a staggered manner(e.g., “t1”, “t2”, “t3”) for different batches or members of theplurality of the inventory devices such that malfunctioning of differentmembers may be detected in an efficient manner without overloading onthe cloud computing resources. In an embodiment, the duration of the“heartbeat signal” may be changed for every member or a group of membersof the plurality of inventory devices after a predetermined time periodbased on a randomization algorithm. The “heartbeat signal” provides away to determine (by a centralized system or a network entity or a cloudcomputing node) whether or not the inventory device 200 is stillfunctioning correctly. In some embodiments, the data from the inventorydevice 200 is either a valid transmission (e.g., weight measurements),and error in transmission (e.g., transmission error flag), or theheartbeat signal.

Distributed Computing Network and IOT Device

In some embodiments, one or more IOT devices may be implemented in adistributed computing network as part of the inventory system 100 tomeet the requirements of fast and accurate detection of a taggedinventory item. For instance, the distributed computing network caninclude an IOT device that provides command and control functions forthe sensor system comprising the radio field antenna 206 (or RFIDantenna), the radio field antenna processor 204 (or RFID processor), aplurality of pressure sensors or a pressure sensor array (e.g., 212 a,212 b), and pressure sensor or array processor (e.g., 208). In anembodiment, the IOT device can be configured to send commands to thepressure array processor and to the RFID processor requesting for data.The IOT device can further be configured to send transaction data to aprivate Wi-fi access point. In an embodiment, the IOT device is furtherconfigured to receive broadcast load cell data from the pressure arrayprocessor and RFID scan results from the RFID processor. In anembodiment, the IOT device is configured to initialize the inventorysystem by checking for a network connection and a valid sensoridentification. In an embodiment, the IOT device is configured to sendconfiguration commands to the pressure array processor and command thepressure array to start broadcasting pressure values from each pressuresensor of a plurality of pressure sensors. In an embodiment, thepressure array processor performs analog filtration, sampling, and timetagged broadcasting of the data from each pressure sensor upon receivingthe start command from the IOT device. In some embodiments, the use ofan independent broadcast of the data from the pressure sensors canprovide data at high speed for fast detection of weight changes to theIOT device without the need for any additional commands or time delaysfrom the IOT device.

In some embodiments, the IOT device is configured to perform dataanalysis and testing to determine if a valid transaction has occurred.In some embodiments, using a series of parameter-controlled functions,the broadcast pressure array data is converted by the IOT device into asanitized stream of sequential FIFO time buffered pressure sensor data.In an embodiment, the parameter-controlled functions includerate-controlled sampling, linear regression scaling and multipointaveraging. In an embodiment, the IOT device computes the weight datastream by calculating the sum of the scaled average from each of thepressure sensors. The derived weight data stream (array W(t) where w(i),. . . , W(1), W(0), W(−1), . . . W(−3), . . . ,W(−n)) is then sampled bythe IOT Device:

where W(0) is the weight reading from the time at which the threshold(of weight change) was exceeded,

where W(−1) is the weight reading from the time frame that is onereading before the weight reading exceeded the threshold,

where W(−2) is the weight reading from the time frame that is tworeadings before the weight reading exceeded the threshold,

where W(−n) is the weight reading from the time frame that is n readingsbefore the weight reading exceeded the threshold,

where W(1) is the weight reading from the time frame that is one readingafter the weight reading exceeded the threshold,

where W(i) is the weight reading from the time frame that is one readingbefore the stable weight reading, and

where W(j) is the weight reading from the time frame that is j readingsafter the threshold exceeding weight reading and at the time frame wherethe weight is stable.

In some embodiments, the IOT device is configured to monitor weight datastream to determine if a valid arrival or departure has occurred usingpreset thresholds. To minimize errors in the weight determination due torandom noise in the weight data stream, in an embodiment, the IOT deviceuses averaging and thresholding to block spurious weight changes. Arunning average of W(0) to W(−n) where −n is the number of samples usedfor the average as determined by a preset sample size. To prevent errorsin the weight determination due to drift of the weight sensors or lossof mass in the existing inventory items, the IOT device, in anembodiment, uses a “look back” Tare function. Such a “look back”function uses the averaged weight reading prior in time to the thresholdtriggered W(−1) to set a local Tare weight. For example, in someembodiments, a five sample running average can be determined, whereW(−1) to W(−5), and the average weight of these 5 weights is determinedand used. In an embodiment, a stabilization threshold is used to preventnoise in the weight reading due to motion of the inventory or due tosettling time of the pressure sensors.

In an embodiment, when the change from a first sample to a second sample(e.g., W(j) to W(i)) falls below the stabilization threshold, thecorresponding point is considered as the stabilized weight. Thestabilized weight W(i) corresponds to the post arrival weight of theinventory item. The local Tare value (average at W(−1)) is subtractedfrom the stabilized weight W(i) to derive the arrival weight of theinventory item that is immune to or reduces errors from sensor drift,random noise and sensor settling. In some embodiments, the local Tarevalue is the running average weight at W(−1).

In some embodiments, the IOT device triggers an on-demand RFID read scanwhen the weight threshold is triggered. This scan is performed only “ondemand” in order to reduce the power consumption of the RFID processor.In some embodiments, while the IOT device is monitoring the weight datastream for the stabilized weight, the RFID scan data is processed todetermine which RFID tag has arrived or left the field of the RFIDantenna.

In some embodiments, the IOT device determines that a valid arrivaltransaction has occurred if a stabilized weight is determined inconjunction with a single arriving RFID. Data from the valid arrivaltransaction is transmitted to the private Wi-fi access point fortransmission to a cloud server in a cloud computing network. If no RFIDarrival is detected or more than one RFID arrival is detected, thetransaction is considered invalid, and the transaction data is not sentto the cloud server thereby conserving cloud computing resources. Insome embodiments, the inventory status of the items in an invalidtransaction will be updated upon the next valid transaction for thoseitems.

In some embodiments, the IOT device monitors the health of the inventorysystem by performing a “heartbeat” scan. In an embodiment, this scan isperformed after a preset time of no valid transactions being detected.The “heartbeat” scan triggers an RFID scan and transmission of the RFIDscan output to the cloud server through the private Wi-fi access point.The heartbeat scan can also list all RFID tags present on a particularinventory device. This heartbeat scan can be compared to the previouslist of RFID tags on an inventory device to detect if any tags wereadded or removed without being noticed, such as during a power outage.In an embodiment, this data provides confirmation of the functioning ofthe sensor system (or the inventory device). In some embodiments, thisdata can be made available for system analysis and maintenance functionsperformed by an operator or any authorized and qualified personnel. Thisfeature proposed by the disclosed embodiments provide continualtransmission of system health information to the cloud server.

In some embodiments, the IOT device can be configured to auto-upgradeits software in response to commands and software packages transmittedthrough the private Wi-fi access point or through a Bluetooth®connection from a mobile device. In some embodiments, update of theparameters and code of both the pressure array processor and the RFIDantenna processor can be performed by the IOT device in response to oneor more commands sent to the IOT device.

In some embodiments, the distributed computing network includes a mobiledevice executing a mobile application software generating informationusing data provided by the cloud server in conjunction with one or moreuser parameters and data processing performed by the mobile device. Inan embodiment, the mobile application software can provide the user (ofmobile device) with graphics and reports from inventory informationstored on the cloud network. When a user activates a report or data liston the mobile application software, user preferences defined and storedon the mobile device are used by the mobile application software totransmit data queries to the cloud server over the mobile communicationnetwork.

In an embodiment, the cloud server responds to the query from the mobiledevice with a data set corresponding to the report or chart requested bythe user through the mobile application software. The mobile applicationsoftware uses this data set to generate the reports and graphics inaccordance with the user preferences. The data query operationsperformed on the cloud server is most efficient due to the size of thedatabase and the speed of SQL (Structured Query Language) serverprocessing. The reports and graphics are generated at the mobile devicefor speed and distributed resource efficiency. After the data set isdelivered from the cloud server, the locally generated reports andgraphics at the mobile device do not require any additional cloudresources.

System Methods

Embodiments of a method of detecting and reporting a plurality of taggedinventory items are disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes:providing a plurality of tagged inventory items, wherein the pluralitytagged inventory items include a radio field tag attached to aninventory item; and providing a plurality of Internet of Things ((IOT)inventory devices, wherein the plurality of IOT inventory devicesinclude a weighing surface and contains at least one pressure sensor, apressure sensor processor, a radio field antenna, a radio field antennaprocessor, and an IOT processor. The weighing surface is located on atop side of the plurality of IOT inventory devices, and the radio fieldantenna is positioned beneath the weighing surface, and wherein the IOTprocessor is connected to at least one pressure sensor through thepressure sensor processor and the IOT processor is connected to theradio field antenna through the radio field antenna processor; andwherein at least one member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices isconnected to a communications node.

In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting a weightchange of from about 25.0 g to about 45.0 kg when a member of theplurality of tagged inventory items is placed into contact with theweighing surface of a member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices,determining that a difference between a load pressure of the member ofthe plurality of tagged inventory items and the last measured loadpressure for the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devicesexceeds a threshold value, and identifying the member of the pluralityof tagged inventory items by scanning the radio field tag with the radiofield antenna.

In some embodiments, determining that the difference between the loadpressure of the member of the plurality of tagged inventory items andthe last measured load pressure for the member of the plurality of IOTinventory devices exceeds the threshold value includes, measuring theload pressure of the member of the plurality of tagged inventory items;and retrieving the last measured load pressure from the pressure sensorprocessor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices, andsubtracting the measured load pressure from the last measured loadpressure.

In some embodiments, identifying the member of the plurality of taggedinventory items by scanning the radio field tag with the radio fieldantenna includes, generating a scanned radio field identification fromthe member of the plurality of tagged inventory items by turning on oractivating the radio field antenna of the member of the plurality of IOTinventory devices and scanning the radio field tag, retrieving localradio field identification data from the IOT processor of the member ofthe plurality of IOT inventory devices, and determining that a new radiofield tag is present by comparing the scanned radio field identificationto the local radio field identification data.

In some embodiments, the method further includes, after identifying themember of the plurality of tagged inventory items by scanning the radiofield tag with the radio field antenna, building a data frame in the IOTprocessor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices, andtransmitting the data frame from the IOT processor of the member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices to the communications node.

In some embodiments, building the data frame in the IOT processor of themember of the plurality of IOT inventory devices includes, retrievingtwo or more of: the load pressure of the member of the plurality oftagged inventory items, the scanned radio field identification of themember of the plurality of tagged inventory items, a load transactiondate, a load transaction time, and identification data from the memberof the plurality of IOT inventory devices, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, transmitting the data frame from the IOT processorof the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices to thecommunications node includes, sending the data frame to a first in,first out (FIFO) buffer of the IOT processor of the member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices, transmitting the data frame from theIOT processor to the least one communication node, and reducing powerusage by the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices bydeactivating or turning off the radio field antenna of the member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices.

In some embodiments, the plurality of pressure sensors include an arrayof force sensing resistors. In some embodiments, radio field tag code istransmitted from the at least one radio field antenna. In someembodiments, the method includes transmitting at least one of ameasurement time, a measurement date, a radio field tag code, a taggedinventory item identity, a temperature, a weight, and an inventorydevice code from the system processor to at least one of the database,the network, and the display. In some embodiments, the method includesturning off or powering down the at least one radio field antenna aftercommunicating or transmitting a radio field tag code to the systemprocessor.

In some embodiments, the method includes attaching a radio field tag toa surface of an inventory item, forming a tagged inventory item. In someembodiments, the method includes attaching a radio field tag to asurface of an inventory item before, during, or after the item is addedto inventory. In some embodiments, the method includes attaching a radiofield tag to a surface of an inventory item before, during, or after theinventory item is opened, forming a tagged inventory item, including anopened tagged inventory item. In some embodiments, the method includesopening a tagged inventory item to remove an amount of content.

In some embodiments, a plurality of tagged inventory items are stored ona plurality of inventory devices for a duration of from minutes toyears. In some embodiments, the method includes removing a taggedinventory item from the inventory device. In some embodiments, themethod includes removing or adding an amount of content to the taggedinventory item. In some embodiments, the method includes removing oradding an amount of content from the tagged inventory item, while thetagged inventory item remains on the inventory device. One benefit ofthe method disclosed herein can be maintaining, tracking, or monitoringan inventory in real time by monitoring a plurality of tagged inventoryitems stored on a plurality of inventory devices.

In an embodiment of the method, the weight change can include about 25.0g to about 45.0 kg, including from about 50.0 g to about 40.0 kg,including from about 75 g to about 35 kg. In an embodiment of themethod, the IOT processor can transmit a signal to the at least oneradio field antenna, turning off the radio field antenna based at leaston a predetermined criteria. One benefit of an embodiment of the systemand method disclosed herein can be that the at least one radio fieldantenna is periodically turned on during from about 1 seconds to about 5minutes after a weight change is detected, instead of remainingconstantly on. One benefit of an embodiment of the system and methoddisclosed herein can be that the at least one radio field antenna isturned off by the system processor from about 1 seconds to about 5minutes after weighing the tagged inventory item, instead of remainingconstantly on. This benefit can reduce power consumption and limit radiofrequency emissions when tagged inventory items are stored on inventorydevices without weight change for prolonged periods of time.

In some embodiments, the method includes accessing the database anddetermining the location of a tagged inventory item on an inventorydevice. In some embodiments, the method includes selecting one or moretagged inventory items, optionally on a display, and the systemprocessor transmitting a signal to the one or more correspondinginventory devices, turning on or changing the pattern of luminescence ofthe light source on the exterior of the inventory device.

Embodiments of a computer program product for detecting and reporting aplurality of tagged inventory items are disclosed. In an embodiment, thecomputer program product includes one or more computer readable storagemedia collectively having program instructions embodied therewith, theprogram instructions executable by an Internet of Things ((IOT)processor to: cause the IOT processor to detect a weight change of fromabout 25.0 g to about 45.0 kg when a member of a plurality of taggedinventory items is placed into contact with a weighing surface of amember of a plurality of Internet of Things ((IOT) inventory devices,wherein the plurality of IOT inventory devices includes the weighingsurface and contains at least one pressure sensor, a pressure sensorprocessor, a radio field antenna, a radio field antenna processor, andthe Internet of Things ((IOT) processor, wherein member of the pluralityof IOT inventory devices is connected to a database through acommunications node; determine that a difference between a load pressureof the member of the plurality of tagged inventory items and a lastmeasured load pressure for the member of the plurality of IOT inventorydevices exceeds a threshold value; and identify the member of theplurality of tagged inventory items by scanning the radio field tag withthe radio field antenna.

In some embodiments of the computer program product, the programinstructions further cause the IOT processor to: measure the loadpressure of the member of the plurality of tagged inventory items, andretrieve the last measured load pressure from the pressure sensorprocessor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices, andsubtract the measured load pressure from the last measured loadpressure.

In some embodiments of the computer program product, the programinstructions further cause the IOT processor to: generate a scannedradio field identification from the member of the plurality of taggedinventory items by turning on or activating the radio field antenna ofthe member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices and scanning theradio field tag, retrieve local radio field identification data from theIOT processor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices,and determine that a new radio field tag is present by comparing thescanned radio field identification to the local radio fieldidentification data. In some embodiments of the computer programproduct, the program instructions further cause the IOT processor to:build a data frame in the IOT processor of the member of the pluralityof IOT inventory devices, and transmit the data frame from the IOTprocessor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices to thecommunications node. In some embodiments of the computer programproduct, the program instructions further cause the IOT processor to:send the data frame to a first in, first out (FIFO) buffer of the IOTprocessor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices,transmit the data frame from the IOT processor to the communicationsnode, and then reduce power usage by the member of the plurality of IOTinventory devices by deactivating or turning off the radio field antennaof the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices.

In some embodiments of the computer program product, the programinstructions further cause the IOT processor to: command the pressuresensor processor to send a data stream of pressure sensor values fromthe pressure sensor processor to the IOT processor; determine that nodifference between load pressures of the data stream and a last measuredload pressure for the member of the plurality of IOT inventory deviceshas exceeded the threshold value for a threshold duration; and perform aperiodic scan when the threshold duration is met by sending a command tothe radio field antenna to scan for tagged inventory items; build aperiodic data frame in the IOT processor of the member of the pluralityof IOT inventory devices; and transmit the periodic data frame to thedatabase through the communications hub.

In more detail,

Embodiment 1

An inventory system comprising a plurality of tagged inventory items,wherein the plurality tagged inventory items includes a radio field tagattached to an inventory item; and a plurality of Internet of Things(IOT) inventory devices, wherein the plurality of Internet of Things(IOT) inventory devices includes a weighing surface and contains atleast one pressure sensor, a pressure sensor processor, a radio fieldantenna, a radio field antenna processor, and an Internet of Things(IOT) processor, wherein the weighing surface is located on a top sideof the plurality of IOT inventory devices, and the radio field antennais positioned beneath the weighing surface, and wherein the IOTprocessor is connected to the at least one pressure sensor through thepressure sensor processor and the IOT processor is connected to theradio field antenna through the radio field antenna processor; andwherein at least one member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices isconnected to a communications node.

Embodiment 2

The system of any one of embodiments 1 and 3-13, wherein the radio fieldtag includes an item adhesive layer, a polymer foam layer, and anintegrated circuit layer, and wherein the polymer foam layer is incontact with and located between the item adhesive layer and theintegrated circuit layer.

Embodiment 3

The system of any one of embodiments 1-2 and 4-13, wherein the radiofield tag is a passive radio frequency identification tag, a batteryassisted radio frequency identification tag, an active radio frequencyidentification tag, or a passive nearfield tag.

Embodiment 4

The system of any one of embodiments 1-3, and 5-13, wherein the at leastone radio field antenna includes an active radio field antenna or apassive radio field antenna.

Embodiment 5

The system of any one of embodiments 1-4 and 6-13, wherein the pluralityof inventory devices includes a top and a bottom, wherein the at leastone pressure sensor includes an array of force sensing resistors locatedbetween the weighing surface and the at least one radio field antenna,and wherein the at least one pressures sensor is connected to supportsthat extend from the bottom of the inventory device.

Embodiment 6

The system of any one of embodiments 1-5 and 7-13, wherein the IOTprocessor includes a memory storage, a wireless processor, and atransmitter, wherein the wireless processor includes a receive packetinput and a transmit packet output, and the wireless processor iscapable of or configured to transmit wireless packets and receivewireless packets, and optionally a power source, including power port ora configuration for adapting and using batteries.

Embodiment 7

The system of any one of embodiments 1-6 and 8-13, wherein thecommunications node is a wireless communications node.

Embodiment 8

The system of any one of embodiments 1-7 and 9-13, the communicationsnode is an internet router, a wireless internet router, a cellulartower, a communications satellite, or a combination thereof.

Embodiment 9

The system of any one of embodiments 1-8 and 10-13, wherein theinventory system further comprises a server connected to thecommunications node through an internet.

Embodiment 10

The system of any one of embodiments 1-9 and 11-13, the inventory systemfurther comprises a plurality of the (IOT) inventory devices networkedthrough a plurality of communications nodes.

Embodiment 11

The system of any one of embodiments 1-10 and 12-13, wherein the atleast one pressure sensor is closer to the bottom of the inventorydevice than the at least one radio field antenna.

Embodiment 12

The system of any one of embodiments 1-11 and 13, wherein the at leastone pressure sensor and the at least one radio field antenna areconfigured to communicate with the (IOT) processor, and wherein the(IOT) processor is configured to communicate with at least one of adatabase, a display, and a network.

Embodiment 13

The system of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein the tagged inventoryitem includes a vessel containing an amount of content, wherein thecontent includes a solid, a liquid, a slurry, a particulate, or acombination thereof.

Embodiment 14

A method of detecting and reporting a plurality of tagged inventoryitems comprising: providing a plurality of tagged inventory items,wherein the plurality tagged inventory items include a radio field tagattached to an inventory item; and providing a plurality of Internet ofThings (IOT) inventory devices, wherein the plurality of IOT inventorydevices include a weighing surface and contains at least one pressuresensor, a pressure sensor processor, a radio field antenna, a radiofield antenna processor, and an IOT processor. The weighing surface islocated on a top side of the plurality of IOT inventory devices, and theradio field antenna is positioned beneath the weighing surface, andwherein the IOT processor is connected to at least one pressure sensorthrough the pressure sensor processor and the IOT processor is connectedto the radio field antenna through the radio field antenna processor;and wherein at least one member of the plurality of IOT inventorydevices is connected to a communications node; detecting a weight changeof from about 25.0 g to about 45.0 kg when a member of the plurality oftagged inventory items is placed into contact with the weighing surfaceof a member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices, determining thata difference between a load pressure of the member of the plurality oftagged inventory items and the last measured load pressure for themember of the plurality of (IOT) inventory devices exceeds a thresholdvalue, and identifying the member of the plurality of tagged inventoryitems by scanning the radio field tag with the radio field antenna.

Embodiment 15

The method of any one of embodiments 14, and 16-19, wherein determiningthat the difference between the load pressure of the member of theplurality of tagged inventory items and the last measured load pressurefor the member of the plurality of (IOT) inventory devices exceeds thethreshold value includes, measuring the load pressure of the member ofthe plurality of tagged inventory items; and retrieving the lastmeasured load pressure from the pressure sensor processor of the memberof the plurality of (IOT) inventory devices, and subtracting themeasured load pressure from the last measured load pressure.

Embodiment 16

The method of any one of embodiments 14-15, and 17-19, whereinidentifying the member of the plurality of tagged inventory items byscanning the radio field tag with the radio field antenna includes,generating a scanned radio field identification from the member of theplurality of tagged inventory items by turning on or activating theradio field antenna of the member of the plurality of IOT inventorydevices and scanning the radio field tag, retrieving local radio fieldidentification data from the IOT processor of the member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices, and determining that a new radiofield tag is present by comparing the scanned radio field identificationto the local radio field identification data.

Embodiment 17

The method of any one of embodiments 14-16, and 18-19, furthercomprising, after identifying the member of the plurality of taggedinventory items by scanning the radio field tag with the radio fieldantenna, building a data frame in the IOT processor of the member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices, and transmitting the data frame fromthe IOT processor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventorydevices to the communications node.

Embodiment 18

The method of any one of embodiments 14-17, and 19 wherein building thedata frame in the IOT processor of the member of the plurality of IOTinventory devices includes, retrieving two or more of: the load pressureof the member of the plurality of tagged inventory items, the scannedradio field identification of the member of the plurality of taggedinventory items, a load transaction date, a load transaction time, andidentification data from the member of the plurality of IOT inventorydevices, or a combination thereof.

Embodiment 19

The method of any one of embodiments 14-18, wherein transmitting thedata frame from the IOT processor of the member of the plurality of IOTinventory devices to the communications node includes, sending the dataframe to a first in, first out (FIFO) buffer of the IOT processor of themember of the plurality of IOT inventory devices, transmitting the dataframe from the IOT processor to the least one communication node, andreducing power usage by the member of the plurality of (IOT) inventorydevices by deactivating or turning off the radio field antenna of themember of the plurality of (IOT) inventory devices.

Embodiment 20

The method of any of embodiments 14-19, wherein the plurality ofpressure sensors include an array of force sensing resistors, wherein aradio field tag code is transmitted from the at least one radio fieldantenna.

Embodiment 21

A computer program product for detecting and reporting a plurality oftagged inventory items, the computer program product comprising one ormore computer readable storage media collectively having programinstructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable byan Internet of Things (IOT) processor to cause the IOT processor to:detect a weight change of from about 25.0 g to about 45.0 kg when amember of a plurality of tagged inventory items is placed into contactwith a weighing surface of a member of a plurality of Internet of Things(IOT) inventory devices, wherein the plurality of IOT inventory devicesincludes the weighing surface and contains at least one pressure sensor,a pressure sensor processor, a radio field antenna, a radio fieldantenna processor, and the Internet of Things (IOT) processor, whereinmember of the plurality of (IOT) inventory devices is connected to adatabase through a communications node; determine that a differencebetween a load pressure of the member of the plurality of taggedinventory items and a last measured load pressure for the member of theplurality of (IOT) inventory devices exceeds a threshold value; andidentify the member of the plurality of tagged inventory items byscanning the radio field tag with the radio field antenna.

Embodiment 22

The computer program product of any of the embodiments 21, and 23-26,wherein the program instructions further cause the (IOT) processor to:measure the load pressure of the member of the plurality of taggedinventory items, and retrieve the last measured load pressure from thepressure sensor processor of the member of the plurality of (IOT)inventory devices, and subtract the measured load pressure from the lastmeasured load pressure.

Embodiment 23

The computer program product of any of the embodiments 21-22, and 24-26,wherein the program instructions further cause the (IOT) processor to:generate a scanned radio field identification from the member of theplurality of tagged inventory items by turning on or activating theradio field antenna of the member of the plurality of (IOT) inventorydevices and scanning the radio field tag, retrieve local radio fieldidentification data from the (IOT) processor of the member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices, and determine that a new radio fieldtag is present by comparing the scanned radio field identification tothe local radio field identification data.

Embodiment 24

The computer program product of any of the embodiments 21-23 and 25-26,wherein the program instructions further cause the IOT processor to:build a data frame in the IOT processor of the member of the pluralityof IOT inventory devices, and transmit the data frame from the IOTprocessor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices to thecommunications node.

Embodiment 25

The computer program product of any of the embodiments 21-24, and 26,wherein the program instructions further cause the IOT processor to:send the data frame to a first in, first out (FIFO) buffer of the IOTprocessor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices,transmit the data frame from the IOT processor to the communicationsnode, and then reduce power usage by the member of the plurality of IOTinventory devices by deactivating or turning off the radio field antennaof the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices.

Embodiment 26

The computer program product of any of the embodiments 21-25, whereinthe program instructions further cause the IOT processor to: command thepressure sensor processor to send a data stream of pressure sensorvalues from the pressure sensor processor to the IOT processor;determine that no difference between load pressures of the data streamand a last measured load pressure for the member of the plurality of IOTinventory devices has exceeded the threshold value for a thresholdduration; perform a periodic scan when the threshold duration is met bysending a command to the radio field antenna to scan for taggedinventory items; build a periodic data frame in the IOT processor of themember of the plurality of IOT inventory devices; and transmit theperiodic data frame to the database through the communications hub.

EXAMPLES

Functional Components

Identification Tag

RFID Tags are custom made using antenna patterns and preprogrammedimbedded RFID devices packaged with human and machine readable printedRFID tag information can be purchased from Starport Technologies (KansasCity, Mo.).

A Foam Adhesive, such as SCOTCH® Foam Mounting Tape, is commerciallypurchased from 3M® (Maplewood, Minn.).

Pressure Sensing

An FSR Array, such as the Thru Mode FSR Matrix Array is commerciallypurchased from SENSITRONICS, LLC® (Bow, Wash.).

An FSR to USB Interface, such as the MP2508 or Snowboard 2 can becommercially purchased from Kitronyx (Seoul, Korea).

A planar load cell, can be commercially purchased from Tecuna Systems(Golden, Colo.).

A customized load cell to serial signal conditioner and interface can bepurchased from Tecuna Systems (Golden Colo.).

Identification Sensor

An OmniDirectional RFID Antenna, such as the CAF95956 can becommercially purchased from LAIRD TECHNOLOGIES® (Chesterfield, Mo.).

A shelf panel RFID Antenna can be commercially purchased from TIMES-7(Wellington, New Zealand).

An RFID Reader, such as the ThingMagic USB Pro can be commerciallypurchased from JADAK TECHNOLOGIES® (North Syracuse, N.Y.).

Client Platform

A Laptop PC can be commercially purchased. (HP® INTEL® CORE™ i7 LaptopPC M6-W105DX HEWLETT PACKARD®, INC; Palo Alto Calif.).

ARDUINO® Snowboard Interface Software can be commercially purchased fromKitronyx (Seoul, Korea).

Snowforce Application Software can be commercially purchased fromKitronyx (Seoul, Korea).

ThingMagic Universal Reader Assistant Software can be commerciallypurchased from JADAK TECHNOLOGIES® (North Syracuse, N.Y.).

Spreadsheet Software (MICROSOFT® Office 360 EXCEL® can be commerciallypurchased from MICROSOFT® (Redmond, Wash.).

Windows Operating System (MICROSOFT® Windows 10®) can be commerciallypurchased from MICROSOFT® (Redmond, Wash.).

EXPERIMENTAL Example 1

A proof of concept experimental preparation can be made from availablematerials. The experimental preparation can perform the functions ofpressure mapping, identification, and processing. The sensor componentsare stacked and attached to the supports of the inventory device asdescribed in embodiments herein for the purpose of detecting thepressure pattern and identification of a tagged inventory item. Theoutput of the sensor components is connected to the Client Platformusing USB interfaces.

The pressure pattern detection can be accomplished using a FSR Arrayconnected to a USB interface. The FSR array to USB interface output isprovided to the Client Platform through the USB interface.

The identification detection can be accomplished using anOmniDirectional RFID Antenna connected to an RFID Reader. The RFIDReader output is provided to the Client Platform using a USB interface.

The sensor mat can be realized by attaching the FSR array to theplurality of supports. The FSR array is connected to the USB Interface.The RFID antenna is connected the RFID reader. Both the FSR array to USBInterface and the RFID reader are connected to the Client Platform.

Processing of the pressure array and RFID data is performed by theClient Platform. The Client Platform can be implemented using a LaptopPC with a Windows 10 Operating System. The pressure data can be read onthe Client Platform using Arduino Snowboard Interface with SnowforceApplication Software. The RFID data can be read on the Client Platformusing ThingMagic Universal Reader Assistant Software. Numericpreparation of the data and database functions can be performed usingSpreadsheet Software.

The inventory item tag can be prepared by applying an RFID tag that canbe attached to an inventory item using foam mounting tape to provide anembodiment of a radio field tag.

The experiment is conducted to demonstrate that a tagged inventory itemcan be identified and associated with its pressure pattern for thepurposes of tracking the identification and weight of a tagged inventoryitem over time. An identification tag is prepared by pre-programming aninventory item tag with a unique test identification code. Theprogrammed tag is applied to the bottom surface of an inventory itemcontaining liquid. The inventory item is placed on the weighing surface.The FSR array detects the pressure pattern of the inventory item basedon the pressure exerted by the item on the weighing surface and a dataarray is calculated by the Snowforce Application Software. The data fromthe identification tag is read by the RFID reader and is transferred tothe Universal Reader Assistant Software. A test reading entry is made inthe spreadsheet software by combining the RFID reader identificationdata with the Snowboard Application Software pressure array data andattaching the time. The data entry is added to a sample database in thespreadsheet software. The experiment continues by removing liquid fromthe inventory item and taking additional readings. Various inventoryrelated information can be calculated by processing the information inthe database.

Example 2

Example 2 is the same as Example 1 above except, planar load cells areattached to the plurality of supports instead of an FSR Array. TheTacuna Systems planar load cells, which are, a type of pressure sensor(force sensing resistors), are applied to a beam. The planar load cellsare shaped to direct forces that are applied between the end of the beamattached beneath the upper weighing surface and the end of the beam thatis connected to the lower support surface via a shock absorbing orcushioning interface, which is a type of support (e.g. rubber feet). Theplanar load cells force sensing resistors are connected to the TacunaSystems load cell to serial signal conditioner and interface instead ofthe Snowforce Interface. The output of the Tacuna Systems load cell toserial signal conditioner and interface is connected to the laptop PCusing a USB port. The serial data communications uses MICROSOFT® Windows10® Terminal Application instead of the Snowboard Application software.

What is claimed is:
 1. An inventory system comprising: a plurality oftagged inventory items, wherein the plurality tagged inventory itemsincludes a radio field tag attached to an inventory item; and aplurality of Internet of Things (IOT) inventory devices, wherein theplurality of Internet of Things (IOT) inventory devices includes aweighing surface and contains at least one pressure sensor, a pressuresensor processor, a radio field antenna, a radio field antennaprocessor, and an Internet of Things (IOT) processor, wherein theweighing surface is located on a top side of the plurality of IOTinventory devices, and the radio field antenna is positioned beneath theweighing surface, and wherein the IOT processor is connected to the atleast one pressure sensor through the pressure sensor processor and theIOT processor is connected to the radio field antenna through the radiofield antenna processor; and wherein at least one member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices is connected to a communicationsnode, wherein the plurality of inventory devices includes a top and abottom, and wherein the at least one pressure sensor includes aplurality of pressor sensors that are attached to a plurality ofsupports, wherein the plurality of supports extend from the bottom ofthe inventory device and each support has one or more pressure sensorsattached to the support.
 2. An inventory system comprising: a pluralityof tagged inventory items, wherein the plurality tagged inventory itemsincludes a radio field tag attached to an inventory item; and aplurality of Internet of Things (IOT) inventory devices, wherein theplurality of Internet of Things (IOT) inventory devices includes aweighing surface and contains at least one pressure sensor, a pressuresensor processor, a radio field antenna, a radio field antennaprocessor, and an Internet of Things (IOT) processor, wherein theweighing surface is located on a top side of the plurality of IOTinventory devices, and the radio field antenna is positioned beneath theweighing surface, and wherein the IOT processor is connected to the atleast one pressure sensor through the pressure sensor processor and theIOT processor is connected to the radio field antenna through the radiofield antenna processor; and wherein at least one member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices is connected to a communicationsnode, wherein the plurality of inventory devices includes a top and abottom, wherein the at least one pressures sensor includes a pluralityof pressure sensors that are attached to a plurality of supports,wherein the plurality of supports extend from the bottom of theinventory device and each support has one or more pressure sensorsattached to the support, wherein the radio field tag includes an itemadhesive layer, a polymer foam layer, and an integrated circuit layer,and wherein the polymer foam layer is in contact with and locatedbetween the item adhesive layer and the integrated circuit layer.
 3. Theinventory system of claim 1, wherein the IOT processor includes a memorystorage, a wireless processor, and a transmitter, wherein the wirelessprocessor includes a receive packet input and a transmit packet output,and the wireless processor is configured to transmit wireless packetsand receive wireless packets.
 4. The inventory system of claim 1,wherein the communications node is a wireless communications node. 5.The inventory system of claim 1, further comprising a server connectedto the communications node through an internet.
 6. A method of detectingand reporting a plurality of tagged inventory items, the methodcomprising: providing a plurality of tagged inventory items, wherein theplurality tagged inventory items include a radio field tag attached toan inventory item; and providing a plurality of Internet of Things (IOT)inventory devices, wherein the plurality of IOT inventory devicesinclude a weighing surface and contains at least one pressure sensor, apressure sensor processor, a radio field antenna, a radio field antennaprocessor, and an IOT processor, wherein the weighing surface is locatedon a top side of the plurality of IOT inventory devices, and the radiofield antenna is positioned beneath the weighing surface, and whereinthe IOT processor is connected to the at least one pressure sensorthrough the pressure sensor processor and the IOT processor is connectedto the radio field antenna through the radio field antenna processor;and wherein at least one member of the plurality of IOT inventorydevices is connected to a communications node, and wherein the pluralityof inventory devices includes a top and a bottom, and wherein the atleast one pressures sensor includes a plurality of pressure sensors thatare attached to a plurality of supports, wherein the plurality ofsupports extend from the bottom of the inventory device and each supporthas one or more pressure sensors attached to the support; detecting aweight change of from about 25.0 g to about 45.0 kg when a member of theplurality of tagged inventory items is placed into contact with theweighing surface of a member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices;determining that a difference between a load pressure of the member ofthe plurality of tagged inventory items and the last measured loadpressure for the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devicesexceeds a threshold value; and identifying the member of the pluralityof tagged inventory items by scanning the radio field tag with the radiofield antenna.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein determining that thedifference between the load pressure of the member of the plurality oftagged inventory items and the last measured load pressure for themember of the plurality of IOT inventory devices exceeds the thresholdvalue includes, measuring the load pressure of the member of theplurality of tagged inventory items; and retrieving the last measuredload pressure from the pressure sensor processor of the member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices, and subtracting the measured loadpressure from the last measured load pressure.
 8. The method of claim 6,wherein identifying the member of the plurality of tagged inventoryitems by scanning the radio field tag with the radio field antennaincludes, generating a scanned radio field identification from themember of the plurality of tagged inventory items by turning on oractivating the radio field antenna of the member of the plurality of IOTinventory devices and scanning the radio field tag, retrieving localradio field identification data from the IOT processor of the member ofthe plurality of IOT inventory devices, and determining that a new radiofield tag is present by comparing the scanned radio field identificationto the local radio field identification data.
 9. The method of claim 6,further comprising: after identifying the member of the plurality oftagged inventory items by scanning the radio field tag with the radiofield antenna, building a data frame in the IOT processor of the memberof the plurality of IOT inventory devices, and transmitting the dataframe from the IOT processor of the member of the plurality of IOTinventory devices to the communications node.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein building the data frame in the IOT processor of the member ofthe plurality of IOT inventory devices includes, retrieving two or moreof: the load pressure of the member of the plurality of tagged inventoryitems, the scanned radio field identification of the member of theplurality of tagged inventory items, a load transaction date, a loadtransaction time, and identification data from the member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices, or a combination thereof.
 11. Themethod of claim 9, wherein transmitting the data frame from the IOTprocessor of the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices to thecommunications node includes, sending the data frame to a first in,first out (FIFO) buffer of the IOT processor of the member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices, transmitting the data frame from theIOT processor to the least one communication node, and reducing powerusage by the member of the plurality of IOT inventory devices bydeactivating or turning off the radio field antenna of the member of theplurality of IOT inventory devices.